In Memory of ‘Tigre’ Sepúlveda, an Example of Grit and Rojiblanco Identity | OneFootball

Some people become institutions: through their values, their personality, and the way they live life. The best way to keep them present is by remembering their achievements; for that reason, with great affection on the anniversary of his passing, we pay this small tribute to Don Guillermo “Tigre” Sepúlveda, one of the greatest figures in the history of Club Deportivo Guadalajara.

His nickname was much more than a simple moniker; it embodied the way he left every drop of sweat on the field. A fierce yet elegant defender, he helped build the strong foundations of the legendary Campeonísimo era and, in turn, etched his name into Mexican soccer history by playing in two FIFA World Cups, in 1958 and 1962.

His story began on November 29, 1934, when he was born in a Guadalajara that already breathed soccer intensely. He grew up alongside people who, years later, would help define an era with the team they loved: Don Salvador Reyes and Crescencio “Mellone” Gutiérrez were part of the golden SUTAJ generation alongside him before later wearing the red-and-white stripes together.

As a defensive leader for the Rebaño, Arturo “Cura” Chaires and José “Jamaicón” Villegas became his greatest partners. His legend was built match by match until he lifted 15 official titles: seven league championships, one Copa México, six Campeón de Campeones trophies, and one Concacaf title.

The moment that immortalized him came on April 26, 1964, during the 1963-64 Campeón de Campeones Final against América. With victory already secured, Don Guillermo was sent off after an altercation with Alfonso Portugal. Before leaving the field, he removed his jersey and threw it onto the pitch directly in front of the América bench, delivering a message to everyone there: “Here, have this…”—a gesture that intensified tensions between both squads to the highest level.

A living image of character, grit, and love for the red-and-white colors: that was “Tigre” Sepúlveda, a member of the Soccer Hall of Fame since 2017, whom we remember today, five years after his passing.

Rest in peace, "Tigre".